Monday, September 12, 2011

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Upcoming Shows May 2011

Who: Rosemary Device, I Am The Messenger, Winterhymn, Taking Regan, Loudmouth
What: Local Music Showcase – ALL AGES
When: May 19 2011 – Doors open at 6:00pm
Where: The Mad Hatter (620 Scott St, Covington KY 41011)
How Much: $10.00

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Who: Bleach, Joe Plante Band, The Fontaine, Red Velvet
What: Four States Tour – All Ages
When: May 20 2011 – Shows starts at 8:00pm
Where: The 86 Club (2820 Vine St, Cincinnati OH 45219)
How Much: $10.00 adv, $13.00 day of show

Who: Taking Regan, Keep Me From Dreaming, Underworld Dreams, When The Sky Burns, Among The Exiled, Why Should We
What: Local Music Showcase – ALL AGES
When: May 21 2011 – Doors open at 5:30pm
Where: The Venue 42 (6589 Terhune Dr, Middletown OH 45044)
How Much: $7.00 adv, $8.00 day of show

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Who: Dick & The Roadmasters, Cheryl Renee, Wendy O & The Posse, and many more
What: A Day of American Music – ALL AGES
When: May 22 2011 – Show starts at 1:00pm
Where: The Madison Theater (730 Madison Ave, Covington KY 41011)
How Much: $15.00, all proceeds go to Japan relief and Midwest Flood/Tornado relief

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Who: Calabrese, The Reanimated, Lurking Corpses, Switchblade Syndicate, Black Cat Rebellion
What: Nasti Nati Horror Presents – Ages 16+
When: May 22 2011 – Show starts at 7:30pm
Where: The Mad Hatter (620 Scott St, Covington KY 41011)
How Much: $8.00 adv

Who: Dr. Acula, Put To Rest, Slaughterous Bereavement, Conditional Compromise, Autumn Aura
What: Live Loud Industries Presents – ALL AGES
When: May 23 2011 – Show starts at 7:00pm
Where: The Mad Hatter (620 Scott St, Covington KY 41011)
How Much: $10.00 adv, $12.00 day of show

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Who: Silverstein, Bayside, Polar Bear Club, Texas In July, The Swellers, A Better Life
What: Take Action Tour 2011 - ALL AGES
When: May 24 2011 – Doors open at 5:30pm
Where: The Madison Theater (730 Madison Ave, Covington KY 41011)
How Much: $20.00, 10% of the proceeds go to charity

Who: Free Sophia, Automagik, The Blue Shivers
What: Free Sophia CD Release Show – ALL AGES
When: May 25 2011 – Doors open at 7:30pm
Where: The Mad Hatter (620 Scott St, Covington KY 41011)
How Much: $5.00 adv, $8.00 day of show

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Who: O’Brother, Starfox, Wind Chaser, Fun Machine
What: Music Showcase – ALL AGES
When: May 26 2011 – Doors at 7:00pm
Where: The Mad Hatter (620 Scott St, Covington KY 41011)
How Much: $6.00 adv, $8.00 day of show

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Who: Norma Jean, After The Burial, Motionless In White, For The Fallen Dreams, Stray From The Path, Allies Aside
What: Explosions || Part Deux Tour - ALL AGES
When: May 27 2011 – Doors open around 6:00pm
Where: Radiodown (620 Scott St, Covington KY 41011)
How Much: $15.00 adv, $17 day of show

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Who: David Allen Coe, Dallas Moore
What: Music Showcase – ALL AGES
When: May 27 2011 – Doors open at 8:00pm
Where: The Madison Theater (730 Madison Ave, Covington KY 41011)
How Much: $20.00 adv, $25.00 day of show

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Who: The Why Store, Michela Miller from Gypsy and the Tree, SOHIO
What: Lonesome Organ Grinder Productions Presents – ALL AGES
When: May 27 2011
Where: The Mad Hatter (620 Scott St, Covington KY 41011)
How Much: $12.00 adv

Who: A Plea For Purging, I Am The Messenger, The Rose Hill, Who Trains My Hands For War, Eyes To The Throne, All Become New, Achilles Descent
What: Local Music Showcase – ALL AGES
When: May 28 2011 – Doors open at 4:30pm
Where: The Venue 42 (6589 Terhune Dr, Middletown OH 45044)
How Much: $10.00 adv, $12.00 day of show

Who: Pulse 8, The Earth Laid Bare, Beyond The Divide, Black Tractor
What: Pulse 8 CD Release Show
When: May 28 2011 – Doors open at 8:00pm
Where: The Madison Theater (730 Madison Ave, Covington KY 41011)
How Much: $10.00 adv, every admission gets a copy of Pulse 8’s new CD

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Who: Spoken, A Cry Farewell, Chicago Winter
What: Music Showcase – ALL AGES
When: May 28 2011 – Show starts at 8:00pm
Where: The 86 Club (2820 Vine St, Cincinnati OH 45219)
How Much: $10.00 adv, $13.00 day of show

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Long Time No See...

By: Mike Heffron

We here at Nati Sound apologize for the lack of content posted recently. Our staff members have been very busy with personal business that has gotten in the way of our journalistic efforts. This drought is coming to end, we promise, so please stick with us! May is going to be a big month for us and for Cincinnati music.

Do you know any bands that you would like to see featured on the Nati Sound?
Do you know any shows that Nati Sound should list or review?
Who are some of your favorite local bands or musicians?
We want to know! We need your help to keep as up to date as we can in the happenings of the Cincinnati scene.

Despite the social networking revolution, word of mouth about shows and bands isn’t traveling like it used to. We do everything we can to keep our ears to the ground, combing the underground for bands you may not have heard and should hear! But there will always be things we will miss; whether it's a live-changing show or an amazing band that has slipped under the radar.
This is where we need your help.
If you have anything to share with us, do not hesitate; e-mail us at heffronmusic@gmail.com.

With that said, I want to switch gears and tell you about the great things we have coming up in the next month!

More band interviews:
All of your wonderful feedback has had told us that our most popular article to date was the interview with He Became The Martyr. To show you we are listening, we are working on setting up more interviews with bands ranging from acoustic to death metal.

Practice Space Performances:
Our mission is to bring Cincinnati music directly to the listeners, what better way to do that then to give fans of local artists a look inside the practice space of their favorite band. We will be capturing one-of-a-kind performances, raw and unedited.

Frequent Show Listings:
In the past we’ve posted up lists of upcoming shows, but this will become a more common occurrence. Some of the feedback received told us that if we hadn’t posted up these shows some fans would have missed out on finding their new favorite band or having an awesome time with their friends.

Thanks again to everyone who has continued reading Nati Sound. We won’t let you down. Keeping rocking Cincinnati!

Monday, April 4, 2011

The Daily Dose

Band: To Die For

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Genre: Electronic Hardcore

Bio: Forming in April 2010 "To Die For" is already making a name for themselves and bringing a fresh and fun sound to the scene. Hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio "To Die For" is a young and fun band, with 6 members, all with different musical influences "To Die For" is ready to show everyone what they can do. (taken from the band's myspace)

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Visit: www.myspace.com/wearetdf

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

UPCOMING SHOWS - March/April 2011

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SHOW: Born of Osiris, Darkest Hour, As Blood Runs Black, The Human Abstract, more...
WHEN?: Friday, March 25th. Doors open at 5:00pm.
WHERE?: The Attic
WHERE’S THAT?: 2852 Wilmington Pike, Kettering, OH 45419
HOW MUCH?: $15adv/$17 at the door
ALL AGES

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SHOW: Pain Link, Winterhymn, Of Abysmal Descent, Lysergic, more...
WHEN?: Friday, March 25th. Doors open at 7:00pm.
WHERE?: The Mad Hatter
WHERE’S THAT?: 620 Scott Blvd, Convington, KY 41011
HOW MUCH?: $5 for 21+/$8 for under 21
ALL AGES

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SHOW: Allies Aside, Emmaline, Slaughterous Bereavement, more...
WHEN?: Wednesday, March 30th. Doors open at 6:00pm.
WHERE?: The Mad Hatter
WHERE’S THAT?: 620 Scott Blvd, Convington, KY 41011
HOW MUCH?: $5 for 21+/$8 for under 21
ALL AGES

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SHOW: Don't Wait Up, Arrivalry, Emmaline, Behold The Legend, more...
WHEN?: Friday, April 1st. Doors open at 7:00pm.
WHERE?: Fogarty's Pub
WHERE’S THAT?: 3620 Harrison Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45211
HOW MUCH?: $5.00
ALL AGES

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SHOW: The Frankl Project, Pike, Loudmouth, more...
WHEN?: Saturday, April 2nd. Doors open at 8:00pm.
WHERE?: Baba Budan's
WHERE’S THAT?: 239 W. McMillan St, Cincinnati, OH 45219
HOW MUCH?: $8.00
21+ ONLY

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SHOW: The Woosters, Starfox, and The Yugos
WHEN?: Friday, April 15th. Doors open at 8:00pm.
WHERE?: The Refuge Cafe
WHERE’S THAT?: 5010 Glenway Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45238
HOW MUCH?: FREE
ALL AGES


***ONCE AGAIN, if you have a band or know one that has a show coming up. E-mail us at natisound@heffronbros.com and we will support you in anyway we can. Thanks.

Monday, March 21, 2011

The Daily Dose

Band: Cosmic Affliction

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Genre: Post-hardcore/Popcore

Bio: Who says girls aren’t punk rock? Cosmic Affliction is a fun upcoming christian punk band from Amelia, OH who has been on the scene for about 4 or 5 years now. Since the origin of the band they have made changes to the lineup. Stephanie Roat (Lead vocals/Guitar) fronts the band with her charming personality and sweet disposition. However; deep in that sweet girl are intense, brutal, blood curdling screams that really give Cosmic Affliction their edge.
(Bio written by Nick Heffron)

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Visit: www.facebook.com/cosmicaffliction

Video:

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

The Daily Dose

Band: Don't Wait Up

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Genre: Pop-Punk

Bio: Don't Wait Up was formed out of the dumps of Norwood Ohio in the summer of 2010. Wanting to play the same type of music that they grew up on, bestfriends, Michael Padgett and Mike Newton set out to start a band of their own. Searching for missing pieces to their band they sought out a dying pop punk band called "Heres To The Past" where they added Carmen Hood and Ryan Sinclair. Later, the band collaborated with Ryan Dickey to fill the thought to be last spot. But lacking that sound they were striving for Don't Wait Up reached out to Guitarist Aaron Ogle to fit the final piece and so Don't Wait Up was born.

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Visit: www.reverbnation.com/dontwaitup

Music: www.reverbnation.com/dontwaitup

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Nati Sound Reviews

Band: Kelsey Skaggs
Visit: www.kelseyskaggs.com
Album: Lady Liberty EP
Reviewer: Emily Bangs
Photos: Courtesy of the kelseyskaggs.com and her facebook page.

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First of all, Kelsey Skaggs is not directly from Cincinnati. She resides fifty-odd miles north in Dayton when she’s not on the road with her band. However, her Lady Liberty EP is a must listen for fans of local acoustic folky tunes.

As a singer-songwriter myself, I’m always looking for new peers for inspiration. Just the other day, I stumbled upon Kelsey Skaggs and was blown away by the nineteen-year-old’s mature sound. Don’t let the last name fool you, Miss Skaggs is a beautiful girl with a vocal range that calls upon a smoky semblance of Sara Bareilles, Taylor Swift, and Regina Spektor.

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I can’t say for certain that the Lady Liberty EP was produced in Nashville, but that was the aura they achieved. The first track “Cheesecake” begins with two twangy guitar lines that attack from the flanks while Kelsey commands in the center of the mix. She tells us a whimsical tale of teenage relationship; however, despite doubling almost all her parts with harmonies, the guitars sadly overpower her vocals during many parts of the song.

If I hadn’t mentioned her age, you would think this songstress was in her twenties by her confident melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. The Dayton songbird is not afraid to write outside the box of boys, love, boys, and timidity that young female pop songwriters often find themselves cornered in.

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The title track “Lady Liberty” is an apostrophe to the American spirit of freedom, chronicling the plight that children all too often experience in our “land of the free.” The sobering theme doesn’t prevent Kelsey or her band from keeping your toes tapping along while she sings in classical country-style two part harmonies.

“Be The Change” is a note-to-self revelation song about coming to terms with who you are and a reminder that only those without any sin should cast the first stone. “Slowly Breaking Me Down” is a pop-country duet ballad in the fashion of Lady Antebellum. Her Regina Spektor influences shines in the final track of the EP allowing the guest male singer to fill up the low end, freeing Kelsey to express some falsetto nuances that cascade in a delicate downward staircase of grace notes, further accentuating the meaning of the song.

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Tomorrow (March 10th) you can see Kelsey performing at the Refuge Coffee Bar. On the 17th, she’ll be at Sitwell’s Coffeehouse, and then on the 19th she joins a cast of local artists at Roh’s Street Café as part of the Clifton Heights music festival.

Stream the Lady Liberty EP for free at mixmgmt.com/kelseyskaggs, search for her on facebook, and don’t miss the chance to see this talented fairer-sex musician at one of her stops her in town.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

The Daily Dose

Band: The Yugos

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Genre: Pop/Rock

Bio: This band started as two brothers (Jordin and Christian Gough) recording on their friend's Mac. Later Jackson Deal joined on lead guitar to carry out a full live sound. After two bassists and months of confusion. Magnus Wignshades came to complete the group. He took the homeless, starved, weathered young trio under his Feathered wings and HAIR and taught them in the ways of Rock. (Taken from their facebook page)

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Visit: www.myspace.com/theyugos

Video:

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Nati Sound Reviews

Band: Emmaline
Visit: facebook.com/emmalinemetal
Album: 2011 Demo
Reviewer: Mike Heffron
Photo: Courtesy of the Emmaline facebook

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(Emmaline)

If you’ve been following the Nati Sound then by now you’ve noticed an awful lot of metal and hardcore bands being posted up lately. Why is that? Because the local scene is absolutely exploding right now! In a good way. The Cincinnati -core scene has been percolating for years, birthing a few notable acts like Close To Home (featured in the April issue of AP magazine), Corpus Christi (Victory records), and Rose Funeral (Metalblade records).

The Cincinnati metal/-core scene is something to watch because these musicians are oozing talent (if you can dig yoself some breakdowns). The band Emmaline isn’t actually from Cincinnati, but about an hour northwest in Connersville, Indiana. However, they’ve played the Nait multiple times and are looking for recognition within our respected little scene.

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(Curran)

Emmaline’s demo starts off with the track “Ascendancy”, emphasis on the -dancy if you like breaking it down on the floor at a show. Drummer Blake Tidrow’s beats are gloriously jaw dropping. His impeccable blast beats and double bass fills are a testament to the band’s professionalism. He’s not overly-flashy or attention-seeking with his playing; he just provides the perfect pounding backdrop Emmaline needs. Fast forward to 1:30 on the demo’s third tack “Deception” and you will see exactly what I mean.

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(Blake)

Vocalist Brett Vadakin is a powerhouse screamer with a range that cuts through the mix while remaining lyrically audible (not an easy feat!). He doesn’t go for the cliche bottomed-out low growls or shrieking highs that clog the scene, instead Brett has found a unique middle ground that remains appealing song after song.

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(Brett rocking some long hair)

Listening through the three song demo, I found myself envisioning Parkway Drive and August Burns Red. However, Emmaline doesn’t sound like a copy of either, or anyone for that matter. The guitarists Chris and Curran, with Devin on bass, sync up like a well oiled bulldozer. Their harmonies and trade offs keep the tremolo riffing and breakdowns catchy but simple enough that even someone unfamiliar with deathcore can rock along to the groove.

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(Devin and Chris)

I suggest adding Emmaline to your music library the first chance you get. Until then, you can stream the demo for free on their facebook page. Definitely keep an eye on this Indiana quintet and be sure to catch them the next time they come through our beloved Queen City.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

The Daily Dose

Band: Behold The Legend

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Genre: Metalcore

Bio: Starting in early 2010, Behold The Legend has made great strides coming from their small hometown located just outside the Greater Cincinnati area. Trying to break away from the norms of their genre, the band combines influences from all genres, from Indie to Deathcore. The band has grown together to write in a style they believe they can innovate and grow into better musicians while writing and preforming. The band recorded 5 brand new songs at On The Road Recordings(Nathan Hook,Chris Rubey) and are set to release their self-titled effort online December 4th. There are more things in the works for the band, so talk to us and stay with us. (Taken from their myspace)

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Visit: www.facebook.com/BeholdTheLegendband

See them: March 26th at The Attic

Saturday, February 26, 2011

The Daily Dose

Band: The Upset Victory

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Genre: Rock

Bio:"Storming in from Cincinnati, Ohio with all the power of a weighty sledgehammer, all-killer-no-filler, The Upset Victory. With ever-so-slight dashes of Thursday, Story of the Year, and Saves the Day in their sonic recipe, these lads are on the cusp of a major "victory" indeed! Another spot-on-winner and stellar act from the heads in the know over at Take Over Digital!" - Myxer.com

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Visit: www.myspace.com/theupsetvictory

Music Video:

Friday, February 25, 2011

The Daily Dose

Band: Keep Me From Dreaming

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Genre: Hardcore

Bio: Keep Me From Dreaming is a melodic hardcore band located out of Dayton, Ohio. They are serious about their music and trying to produce a new sound in the music scene. Only being together for a few months, Keep Me From Dreaming has already played many shows, most of them being out of state and weekend tours. They will be recording their EP within the next few months and planning a summer tour with some amazing bands. Keep checking back for updates on an amazing up and coming Ohio band!
(Taken from their facebook page)

Link: www.myspace.com/keepmefromdreamingband

Video:

ANOTHER UPDATE!!! HOLY SH@T!!

Keep Me From Dreaming | Myspace Video

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Daily Dose

We're back! We apologize for the lull in content we've been putting up. We're going to begin downsizing our postings to better provide you with consistent updates. To do this we are starting a series called The Daily Dose, we'll put up a local band, give you some info, links, and then you check them out! One new band a day keeps the music bores away. So without further ado, our new series, The Daily Dose!

Band: Allies Aside
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Genre: Hardcore

Bio: Hey Guys! We are Allies Aside. We consist of 5 members, Patrick (Vocals), Steve (Guitar), Vincent (Guitar), Zach (Bass/ Vocals), and Brady (Drums). We are a local band from Cincinnati Ohio. Our genre of music is metal / hardcore. Our music consists of heavy breakdowns and intense screams. We love to see our fans mosh there brutal hearts out and bring the energy to our shows! So far we've had the opportunity to play at The Blue Note, Dirty Jacks, The Mad Hatter, The Underground, Fogarty's and more.

Links: www.wix.com/nestly/allies-aside

Music:


Monday, February 14, 2011

Nati Sound Reviews

Band: Altered
Album: Katch Me
Reviewer: Zeke Haskell
Photos: Courtesy of the Altered myspace.

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Altered with fans


Sound: Altered is a band from Atwood, Kentucky (about 20 miles south of the Nati). These rough-around-the-edges guys aren’t exactly breaking musical barriers but they bring to the table an old-school heavy metal vibe, sprinkled with contemporary flourishes. Right from the start of the album it is clear that 80’s and 90’s metal still lives within Altered. These Kentucky boys sound like they should be taking whiskey body shots off strippers on Sunset Boulavard in Cali, with their wah-wah laden guitar solos and sludgy riffing that call to mind Alice In Chains mixed with Metallica and Motley Crue.

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Kage


Lyrics and Vocals: Lyrics on Katch Me revolve around subjects like women, cars, war, and isolation. Lead vocalist “Cage” comes off as a smoky Vince Neil and Phil Anselmo while maintaining an original tone that shines but has moments of cliche uncertainty, like an occasionally reverberated laugh that sounds like James Hetfield at the end of Master of Puppets. Cage’s melodies are drenched in rock n’ roll attitude, with a range that goes from in-your-face highs to gutturally grimy lows.

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Altered at Boomerang's bar in St. Bernard


Impression: A great biker bar soundtrack. The first song, Just Another Day carries a middle-finger message to anti-war advocates but it’s use of back up vocals and a speech in the bridge make the most unique track on the album. Other songs like Rolled Under Stone seem to give a bad-boy point of view on break up and recovery. The live recorded There gives great contrast to the heavier tracks with a more Stone Temple Pilots feel.

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Zambini


The musicality of lead guitarist “Zambini” and the rest of the band is undoubted in their skill but questioned in their originality. The song writing is heavy metal through-and-through but rough, like the rest of the sound, and could use a little more polish. However, bands like Altered have a hard time conveying their full experience through only the recorded songs; a lot of the power comes in the live experience of seeing them on stage. Just something for the reader to keep in mind.

Overall Rating: 6.5/10
Check out altered on myspace: myspace.com/alteredatwood

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Nati Sound Reviews

Band: Stoning Mary
Album: 2010 Demo
Reviewer: Mike Heffron

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    I’ve been an avid fan of 90’s alternative music since I started high school way back in 2004. There is a special quality about grunge rock that struck a chord (musician pun) with me at that time in my life. Sadly, true grunge was long “dead” by the time I discovered its greasy corpse. At least that’s what I thought, but little did I know there was a band right here in Cincinnati carrying on the torch of the 90s alternative spirit. Their name is Stoning Mary and they’ve been rocking together since 2006. Late last year, Stoning Mary released a 4-song demo to display their new vision and sound. They were kind enough to send us a copy for review here at Nati Sound.

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    “Lay you down, I’ll lay you out, one thing’s for sure, it’s gonna hurt!” vocalist Eric wails to start off the song “Black Ice”, the first track on the demo. A maelstrom of distorted guitars and a thunderous rhythm section fill out the dark atmosphere of Stoning Mary’s style. “Our sound is generally heavy with the ability to pull-back in both volume and style. We value our freedom to explore and refuse to be constrained by one particular label that works for us...We stress crafting good songs and appreciate the notion of solid vocals,” they say on their myspace.

    Influences like Alice in Chains, Stone Temple Pilots, TAD, and the Foo Fighters can all be heard in the 2010 demo. Stoning Mary certainly has a modern-rock sound, but they go beyond the typical radio-brand of post-grunge. The guitar solos on the demo blur the line between thrash metal and bluesy grime. While some of SM’s verses seem lacking, their catchy, pounding choruses make up for it with great chant-able lines like “You don’t know how they kick you down! You don’t care how they push you around!”

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    I think Stoning Mary describe their sound perfectly with a single word: Angergasm. Themes of their songs revolve around the dark side of the psycho-social-political world we live in today. Many of the lyrics covey anger over exploitation, intimidation, and confusion. Eric’s vocal style range is very dynamic as he’s able to sing well in a raspy baritone but also soar up to reach tenor-range high notes.

    Overall, I recommend Stoning Mary as a band to keep an eye on. These guys are going hard to the paint with writing, rehearsing, and gigging. I have a feeling 2011 will be a big year of this Cincinnati three-piece. You can connect with SM on myspace (myspace.com/stoningmaryUSA) where you can also listen to the tracks off the 2010 demo for free.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Coming Soon

Over the next couple months, we here at Nati Sound are going to be doing all we can to rattle this scene. Change is coming and we’re going to be your weathermen, forecasting the whole thing. Here are a few ideas we are currently cultivating.

Nati Sound Compilation
A proposed CD/mp3 compilation of various artists from the Cincinnati area. Everybody from metal bands to techno junkies to acoustic artists are welcome to submit material for the compilation. There will be 12-15 available tracks and the best submissions will be featured in the comp. The compilations will be free of charge, you will be able to download it directly from our site or you will can find a copy at any number of supporting shows that we will be sure to mention. If the first one is successful, we may expand on the idea and release new compilations every year.

Musicians interested in submitting music for the compilation, e-mail us at natisound@heffronbros.com for more details.

Open Mic Showcase
Another idea we’ve been throwing around is having a one night open mic event where acoustic singer/songwriters, comedians, poets, and other performers can present their talents to a new audience. Each performer will get two songs, two poems, or five minutes of performance time, so everyone can participate. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. This is supposed to be an opportunity for artists who may never have had the chance to play in front of a crowd before. More details will be given as we move this idea forward.


Nati Sound Radio
A far off idea, but one that we think is really cool. We’d love to set up an online radio station that only plays local music. We might do it in segments, like metal mondays, acoustic thursdays, etc. or we might just put it on a 24 hour shuffle and you can be surprised by what you might hear. Again, this idea is one we will focus on farther into the future. If you like this idea, let us know and we could make it happen sooner.

Support from you, the reader, is the most important thing we strive for. We report on the music so you can discover new artists. We work for free because there is talent in this city that deserves to be recognized and appreciated, no matter what. Local music is where it all starts; there is something magical about a band that you share roots with. We encourage everyone to do your part for art. Go see a show. Listen to a new band’s myspace player. Quit sitting on the bench and get involved in what is happening.

Thanks again for your continuing support,

-The Nati Sound Team

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Nati Sound Reviews

Band: Cutie Massacre
Album: 2009 Demo
Reviewer: Ellen Bangs

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    Cutie Massacre - a name that conjours up images of beautiful women, slaughtered in the street, blood running in the gutters and birds of prey circling overhead. However, Autumn Marie Foster (who plays under the macabre moniker) is far from intimidating and her music has no tones of death or violence. The twenty-year-old songstress explains her stage name on her myspace: “‘Cutie’ is the outer- core or what people see on the outside...this petite blond. The ‘Massacre’ stands for my music and [the] explosive impact it gives when projected. The words explode into thin air-sharp, crisp, and raw. Can you handle the massacre?’”

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    Crisp and raw is also the best way to describe CM’s eight track demo. The recording quality comes off as sophisticated low fidelity. The arrangements consist of just a single acoustic guitar with a room-quality undertone that accents Cutie’s gentle crooning, pittered with small, charming imperfections that add to the realness of the record. It is clear she did not play to a metronome because many of her tempos fluctuate mid-song. Her voice also wavers with uncertainty in places, adding to overall cuteness of Cutie Massacre.

     In this age of everything auto-tuned, synthesized, and fabricated, Cutie Massacre keeps it real with her soulful emotional style. Her songwriting gives off a Jack Johnson-esque feel, with a feminine touch (obviously), on tracks “In December”, “Goodbye Sunshine” and “Spring Training”. Her lyrics are playful yet meaningful and meld beautifully with her delicate voice. In other songs like “Jonah”, “When It Was Me”, and “Your Lie” Miss Massacre gives us a naked portrait of her most shattered feelings. Her angelic soprano over the jangly, switch-tempo rhythm guitar gives the listener chills as they are thrust into her inner psyche.

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    Fans of Colbie Caillat, The Moldy Peaches, Jack Johnson, Ani Difranco, and Mia Carruthers & The Retros will certainly enjoy Cutie Massacre’s down-to-Earth acoustic demo. After this stripped down record I have to wonder if Cutie will follow this up with more solo material, or whether she will form a band to support her songs and take them to another level. Until then, I recommend you pick up a copy of Cutie Massacre’s demo or visit her online at myspace.com/cutiemassacre.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

UPCOMING SHOWS - January 2011

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SHOW: Mad Hatter Battle of the Bands Round 2!!
WHEN?: Sunday, January 16 - 6:30pm - 9:30pm
WHERE?: The Mad Hatter
WHERE’S THAT?: 620 Scott Blvd.
                                Covington, KY
HOW MUCH?: n/a*
ALL AGES

SHOW: Future Trends, Reptar, Bear (The Ghost), Great Young Hunters
WHEN?: Monday, January 17 - 8:30pm - ???
WHERE?: The Mad Hatter
WHERE’S THAT?: 620 Scott Blvd.
                                Covington, KY
HOW MUCH?: $7 advance
ALL AGES
buy tickets here

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SHOW: Rocky Loves Emily, 21st Streamline, and More...
WHEN?: Tuesday, January 18 · 7:00pm - 11:00pm
WHERE?: The Mad Hatter
WHERE’S THAT?: 620 Scott Blvd.
                                Covington, KY
HOW MUCH?: Pre-Sale $5
                          At the Door $10
ALL AGES
buy tickets here

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SHOW: Bayside, The Sleeping, Terrible Things, with The Upset Victory
WHEN?: Wednesday, January 19 - 6:30pm - 11:00pm
WHERE?: The Mad Hatter
WHERE’S THAT?: 620 Scott Blvd
                                 Covington, KY
HOW MUCH?: $13.50 advance
                          $16 day of show
ALL AGES
buy tickets here

SHOW: Mug Of Metal Beer Bash with Pain Link, Boomslang, Black Tractor, Wicked Intent, Critical Moment
WHEN?: Friday, January 21 - 7:00pm - ???
WHERE?: The Mad Hatter
WHERE’S THAT?: 620 Scott Blvd
                                 Covington, KY
HOW MUCH?: $5 advance
ALL AGES
buy tickets here

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SHOW: Freddie Gibbs with special guests TBA
WHEN?: Saturday, January 22 - 6:00pm - ???
WHERE?: The Mad Hatter
WHERE’S THAT?: 620 Scott Blvd
                                 Covington, KY
HOW MUCH?: $12 advance
18+ ONLY
buy tickets here

SHOW: Point Five, Welcome To Nowheresville, Quicksand Swim Club, Hear Me Out, and Part Time Hero
WHEN?: Saturday, January 22 - 6:00pm - ???
WHERE?: The Venue at Kidd Coffee
WHERE’S THAT?: 6589 Terhune Drive
                                Middletown, OH 45044
HOW MUCH?: $7 advance
                          $8 day of
ALL AGES
buy tickets here

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SHOW: Greater Cincinnati Band Challenge Semi Finals
WHEN?: Wednesday, January 26 - 6:00pm - 11:30pm
WHERE?: The Mad Hatter
WHERE’S THAT?: 620 Scott Blvd.
                                 Covington, KY
HOW MUCH?: $8
ALL AGES

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SHOW: The Icarus Account, Remember When, Harmon, The Falling Object Model, 21 Pilots, and Irela
WHEN?: Saturday, January 29 - 6:00m - ???
WHERE?: The Venue at Kidd Coffee
WHERE’S THAT?: 6589 Terhune Drive
                                 Middletown, OH 45044
HOW MUCH?: $8 advance
                           $10 day of show
ALL AGES
buy tickets here

SHOW: Northland Noise, Chief Effect, The Way We Are, Corporate Lions, and UnKured
WHEN?: Saturday, January 29 - 7:00pm - 10:00pm
WHERE?: The Underground
WHERE’S THAT?: 1140 Smiley Ave.
                                 Forest Park, OH
HOW MUCH?: $8

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SHOW?: Young The Giant and Pomegranates
WHEN?: Saturday, January 29 - 7:00pm - 11:00pm
WHERE?: The Mad Hatter
WHERE’S THAT?: 620 Scott Blvd
                                Covington, KY
HOW MUCH?: $13.50 advance
                          $16 day of show
buy tickets here

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SHOW?: Live Loud Presents Ender & Catalepsy, Did You Mean Australia, Upon Hallowed Ground, Fetus Between Us, Sicarii, Conditional Compromise
WHEN?: Monday, January 31 - 6:00pm
WHERE?: The Mad Hatter
WHERE’S THAT?: 620 Scott Blvd
                                 Covington, KY
HOW MUCH?: $10 advance
                           $12 day of show
ALL AGES
buy tickets here

This a small number of the shows coming up this month, check CityBeat for additional listings. If you are in a band or know of a show happening soon, let me know: natisound@heffronbros.com.

We wish the best of luck to Walk The Moon as they will be out of town on the Dance Marathon Tour for the rest of the month!

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